THE LATE SIR JOHN O’SHANASSY.

Kumara Times, Issue 2092, 15 May 1883, Page 2

THE LATE SIR JOHN O’SHANASSY.

The following particulars with regard to the late Sir John O’Shanassy are given in “ Australian Men of the Time”:—“Sir John O’Shanassy was born in Tipperary, 1818. His father died when he was thirteen, and as he grew up he resolved to emigrate; married and came out to Melbourne in 1839; bought a cattle run in the Western Port district, but in 1846, not finding it very profitable, he came to Melbourne and commenced business as a draper; took an active part in the agitatiou in favour of a separation from New South Wales, and also in the formation of the Anti-Transportation League in 1851. In that year he was elected to the first Legislative Chamber of Victoria; in 1856 was elected to Kilmore; in 1857 became Chief Secretary, but only held office for six weeks. In 1858 he again came into power and retained it until the end of 1859; in October, 1861, returned to office for the third time. His Government passed several important measures, amongst others the Electoral Law Amendment Act and Land Act of 1862. In 1863 they retired and he remained in opposition until 1866, when he paid a visit to Europe. He returned in 1867 and was elected in the Upper House for the Central Province in 1868. In 1874 he resigned his seat, intending to re-enter the Lower House, but was twice defeated. In 1877 however, he was elected for Belfast. He has a family of three sons and three daughters. He has always been an unwavering freetrader, a pro-immigration-ist, and favours a united form of Government for the Australiae, rather than the Federal system. In 1870 he was made a Companio.n of the Order of Saints Michael and George, and in 1874 was created K.C.M.G. and Knight Bachelor by special warrant.”